There are three major species of termites that can be found in the USA, the most common of which are drywood and subterranean termites.

Subterranean termites are responsible for causing the most damage done to homes, nearly 95%, and are the most commonly found termites in the Phoenix area.

Termites are wood-chewers. Their diet consists of the cellulose found in wood and wood products, which is why over 2 billion dollars are spent annually to control this pest infestation.

Termites don’t differentiate between the wood in your home and the wood in the forest, because to them, wood is food, and your furniture is an all-you-can-eat buffet. In fact, worker termites are especially known for the utmost dedication with which they forage for and bring food to the colony.

They need moisture to survive, and if exposed to sunlight or open air, they will die. This is why termites build their colonies in the dark, extremely moist areas like basements and tiny crawl-places.

How To Determine If Your Home Is Infested?

It is highly suggested that you have your home inspected thoroughly by a pest control professional, if you find signs of a possible termite infestation. Of course, some of the signs will be subtle, and you won’t be able to note them in time, but remember, the actual damage from an infestation is a slow process.

The common signs of subterranean termite infestation are:

Buckling paint or tiny holes in wood

Damaged or hollowed out wood

Appearance of Mud-tunnels on wooden surfaces in an irregular pattern

Evidence of chewed out dust found

Facts Associated With A Termite Infestation And The Treatment

Wood and wood products are rich in cellulose, and are a food source for termites, hence making it the number one factor of termite infestation.

Solutions

Keep all wooden products of the foundation of the house above 6 inches from soil level.

Remove dead trees, stumps and roots, and other wood debris away from the house

Do not store firewood, paper, or lumbar against the foundation of the house

Keep plants 2-3 feet away from the foundations of your house

Minimize levels of water that are within 12 inches of your house

The ideal places for termites to take root in are damp and dark basements and similar crawling places. In order to remove this pest from your home, you’ll have to locate termite colonies and destroy them.

Solutions

Inspect cracks and joints in concrete slabs, regularly

When building porches and decks to an existing house, always install metal flashing

Never install low quality foam board insulation

Do not build flower planters against the house

If you want any more tips on ways to control termites in your homes, or need a professional inspection of your home, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Share this entry

https://www.azbestpest.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Termites-Infestation-and-its-Control.jpg518800azbestpestexpert/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/logo-azbestpest-new.pngazbestpestexpert2014-10-17 00:39:052014-10-22 03:45:24Termites Infestation and its Control